North Catholic Speech and Debate

Something that all you probably know... but just in case you needed a reminder.

High school speech and debate allows students to find common ground In a time when respectful debate seems impossible, high school speech and debate clubs have persevered. Debate team members and sponsors see the activity as even more important in a fracturing society.

Congratulations to rising junior Anna Pohl who competed at the National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament held in Des Moines, Iowa from June 15 through June 20.

Anna helped to represent the Pittsburgh district at this national competition by qualifying for and then competing in six rounds of United States Extemporaneous Speaking. After finishing two full days of competition in USX, Anna went on to compete in Commentary speaking where she broke into elimination rounds and advanced to double octo-finals. Her performance there earned her a place among the top 100 out of over 400 hundred students in the event.

Throughout the week, Anna and the Pittsburgh delegation were part of the many celebrations of the NSDA's 100th anniversary. Des Moines is now the site of NSDA offices, and the city welcomed the 1500 schools and 6000 students who attended the event. Noted alumni from the organization like Josh Gad, Oprah Winfrey, and David Begnaud also joined in the celebrations. For details see the NSDA website.

Last night the NC Forensics team held its annual awards ceremony. Congratulations to the 8 newly inducted NSDA members and congratulations to the team for another amazing year! A special shout-out to the families and friends who helped to make this year a special one! Good luck to Anna at NSDA Nats, and good luck to our seniors as they leave NC and move into their college years.

And now for news about our performance at the annual PHSSL State Championships!!!
Nine North Catholic students attended the tournament: Natalie M & Stella K (news broadcasting), Hannah P and Abby B (poetry), Matt K (extemp debate), Tommy M (HI), Abi S (congress), Anna P (commentary), and Anna S (prose).
CONGRATULATIONS to all - with special congrats to our winners:
Abby B - semifinalist in poetry
Anna P - 6th in commentary
Abi S - 4th in congress
Anna S - our newest state champion, 1st in prose!

Because of all of the efforts of our team, NC finished in 3rd place in our division, and finished 11th place overall! Amazing, but not surprising!

A very belated congrats to our NSDA qualifier in extemporaneous speaking!! Go Anna! -- Best of luck in Des Moines when NSDA celebrates its 100th birthday!

Congrats to all the members of our forensic team who have experienced so many successes through December, and now into January! Special congrats today to our freshman duo team who continue to show us that persistence and practice pay off!

We are getting ready for our annual invitational, tomorrow, 12/14. Come join us if you can!